The purpose of this job is to supervise fire suppression and emergency work of personnel responding to calls for fire and crisis-related assistance. Performs duties related to firefighting, emergency care, hazardous materials, and fire prevention. Manages fire station, equipment, and apparatus; trains personnel and ensures all activities are carried out efficiently, effectively, and according to departmental guidelines and policies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
- Supervises, manages, and evaluates assigned employees and makes decisions about hiring, and discipline of employees; prioritizes and assigns work; develops and oversees employee work schedules; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; addresses employee concerns and/or problems; counsels and/or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hires; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
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Oversees staff preparation and maintenance of equipment, supplies, and facilities to ensure response readiness.
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Writes reports and maintains records.
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Manages and operates emergency scenes.
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Communicates with internal and external staff and stakeholders; fosters community and public relations.
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Participates in continuing education and maintains knowledge of current trends.
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Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Work requires supervising and monitoring performance for a regular group of employees (2 or more full-time employees) including providing input on hiring, issuing formal discipline, conducting performance evaluations, and realigning work as needed. Such authority is not merely of a routine or clerical nature but requires the use of independent judgment.
Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction
- Work may require providing advice to others outside direct reporting relationships on specific problems or general policies. Contacts may require the consideration of different points of view to reach agreement. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.
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Interactions have limited impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Position has limited fiscal responsibility.
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May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor division or program/promotional level budget and expenditures.
Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
MUST BE A CURRENT CITY OF COLUMBIA EMPLOYEE HAVING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A PROBATIONARY PERIOD.
Education and Experience
- High School diploma or equivalent required
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Required to successfully complete the Columbia Fire Department Captain’s task book prior to application.
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6 years of related experience required.
Licenses or Certifications
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Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B).
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Missouri Division of Fire Safety Fire Officer I Certification.
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Missouri Division of Fire Safety Fire Instructor I Certification
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Missouri Division of Fire Safety Firefighter I and II Certification.
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Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
Knowledge of:
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Fire suppression and first responder methods, practices, and techniques.
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Safety standards and departmental rules and regulations.
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National Incident Management System (NIMS).
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Fire and emergency response equipment and operation maintenance.
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Safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use and operation of fire equipment, fire suppression, and first responder activities.
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Effective supervisory practices and techniques.
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Columbia streets and locations.
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Fire codes and regulations.
Skills in:
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Monitoring and assessing employees’ performance to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the audience’s needs.
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Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.
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Collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex and/or technical data.
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Preparing and maintaining detailed and accurate reports.
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Organizing tasks and managing time effectively.
Ability to:
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Effectively plan and delegate the work of others, and train and/or supervise the work of others.
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Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
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Problem-solve effectively and exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
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Process and handle confidential information with discretion.
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Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
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Operate fire equipment safely and effectively.
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To work in a constant state of alertness and a safe manner.
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Regularly use a computer, software, phone, and related office equipment.
Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
Work Environment:
- Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often
- Outdoor environment – Frequently or Often
- Street environment (near moving traffic) – Frequently or Often
- Construction site – Sometimes
- Confined Space – Sometimes
- Vehicle – Frequently or Often
- Warehouse environment – Sometimes
- Shop environment – Frequently or Often
- Right-of-way environment – Frequently or Often
- Other: Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLK) – Sometimes
Exposures:
- Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes
- Individuals with known violent backgrounds – Sometimes
- Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) – Sometimes
- Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) Sometimes
- Communicable diseases – Frequently or Often
- Moving mechanical parts – Frequently or Often
- Fumes or airborne particles – Frequently or Often
- Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances – Sometimes
- Loud noises (85+ decibels) – Frequently or Often
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards, and the majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.
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Incumbents may be required to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly, having to move objects.
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Incumbents are required to maintain mental/physical health to perform the essential functions of the job. Required to successfully complete a post-offer pre-employment medical physical and at least annually thereafter.
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Incumbents required to wear a respirator and/or self -contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as needed.
Hours/Days
48-on; 96-off rotating, potential emergency on call
Starting Salary
$28.47/hour (56-hour rate)
Number of Positions Available
To establish an eligibility roster
Deadline to Apply
04/01/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
CANDIDATES MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF SIX YEARS ON THE COLUMBIA FIRE DEPARTMENT, CURRENTLY BE AN ENGINEER, OR SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AN ENGINEER PROCESS IN THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS, COMPLETED A MINIMUM OF 10 SHIFTS AS A STEPPED-UP OR ACTING ENGINEER, AND COMPLETED THE FIRE CAPTAIN TASK BOOK PRIOR TO APPLYING.
CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A RESUME TO APPLY.
Tentative Schedule:
Written Test Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Tactical Exercise Date: Monday, April 20, 2026 & Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Oral Interview Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 & Thursday, April 23, 2026
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call
573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal
E-Verify work authorization program